Choosing Sides: Politics or Spirituality

There is a story that many are familiar with, about a venerated spiritualist who developed a devout following, yet came to be perceived by local politicians as a threat to Rome for his promotion of what were deemed heretical ideas.

These politicians set a trap for him, and asked him in public if he believed it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar. If he answered no, he would be arrested for treason. If he answered yes, he could lose the support of his followers. He asked them for a coin. They provided one. He asked whose inscription was on this coin. They answered, "Caesar". And he said to them, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

This exchange is typically interpreted as a statement about the balance between civic duty and spiritual obligation.

As we move forward in the world, men of character are encouraged now more than ever to lean into your faith in goodness — regardless of your religion — and away from your fear of evil. Faith engenders peace. Fear engenders suffering. That's it. Choose peace. Love your brother. Everything else is negotiable.